Poet Laureate Simon Armitage Weaves a Web of Words at Heligan Night Garden

The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall have unveiled a spectacular new feature as part of their annual Night Garden event – a stunning collaboration with Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. Marking the start of a yearlong partnership with the renowned poet, Heligan has introduced a two-metre-wide Walnut Orb-Weaver Spider lantern, alongside a new haiku titled Web by Simon.

Inspired by Simon’s visits to Heligan, the poem celebrates the estate’s biodiversity and highlights the intricate artistry of spider silk. The haiku is projected next to a spider’s web, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere of the illuminated Heligan Night Garden.

Simon’s Dreamscape Experience at Heligan

Reflecting on his experience, Simon shared:
“Working with Heligan has been a kind of dream, because its gardens and paths and its jungle are a sort of dreamscape as much as a landscape, a place that stays in the mind and where the imagination is invited to take over. I got lost in the Lost Gardens, made poems like little dens and treehouses, and didn’t want to be found.”

The award-winning lantern trail, created by The Lantern Company, transforms the gardens into a dazzling winter wonderland. Visitors can explore the after-dark spectacle, which runs on select dates until 4th January, with Simon’s poem adding a poetic layer to the visual feast.

Looking Ahead to ‘Dwell’

Web is the first glimpse into a larger collection of poetry titled Dwell, set to be published by Faber in May 2025. Laura Chesterfield, Managing Director of Heligan, expressed her excitement about the collaboration:
“It has been an honour to welcome Simon to Heligan to interpret in this very special way our commitment to biodiversity and the habitats we carefully steward. We look forward to unveiling the full collection in 2025, and this haiku provides a perfect introduction of what’s to come.”

Plan Your Visit

Tickets for Heligan Night Garden start at £20.50 for adults and £11 for children, with under-threes and Essential Companions able to enter for free. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.heligan.com.

Experience the magic of words and light this winter at The Lost Gardens of Heligan.